An autonomous robot delivers parcels to Helsinki’s residents

The trial of the delivery vehicle will run until 10 December

As of 2 November and until 10 December, the residents of Helsinki’s Jätkäsaari district will have the opportunity to use a modern, innovative vehicle to pick up their parcels. More specifically, an autonomous and electric delivery robot will operate in Hyväntoivonpuisto as part of a pilot project.

Following an increase in Jätkäsaari’s population, the City of Helsinki saw the need for improvements in urban logistics. Subsequently, its innovation company Forum Virium Helsinki teamed up with the start-up LMAD, GIM Robotics, and DB Schenker to launch the electric delivery robot pilot and provide residents with a quick and easy way of collecting packages.

According to Project Planner Matias Oikari from Forum Virium Helsinki, last mile deliveries tend to be most challenging in urban areas. For this reason, the aforementioned companies have joined forces to find out how an autonomous delivery robot can facilitate this.

How does it work?

To use the electric vehicle, one must first select delivery by DB Schenker and the LMAD robot when placing an order. Following this, they will receive a link that will allow them to select their preferred time and location for delivery. Once the robot arrives at the set location, it will alert the recipient by sending a notification containing a pin code. To receive the parcel, one must then provide the robot with this code.

The electric delivery robot stops at several locations in Hyväntoivonpuisto and remains at each stop for at least 30 minutes. Therefore, if the recipient misses the vehicle, they can still pick up their parcel from a nearby location.

To guarantee the safety of all road users, the delivery robot moves at a walking speed along pavements. What is more, it is equipped with sensors that continuously observe the surroundings and force the vehicle to come to a halt when an obstacle is present. Beyond this, an operator will accompany the robot during the pilot to ensure its safe mobility.

Modernising the logistics industry

With the rapid growth of e-commerce, logistics companies are searching for smart ways of delivering products to customers. If Helsinki’s pilot proves successful, it can modernise the logistics industry, reduce costs, and pave the way for new innovations.

Co-founder of LMAD and Product Lead Gergely Horváth commented on this, highlighting that the autonomous service is not only cost-effective but also convenient, flexible, and environmentally friendly.

View the gallery above to see photographs of the electric delivery robot.